Gratefulness Matters

We don’t subscribe to cable nor do we have satellite service to provide television shows or movies. When we watch tv or movies it is through Netflix or a similar service.

As a result I don’t get to watch HGTV or other DIY shows very often. It’s probably a good thing because those shows can be addicting.

There are all sorts of shows about flipping houses, hunting for houses, building log homes and repurposing all types of old materials to incorporate in renovations.

I enjoy the transformations that occur when an old ratty home is renovated and made to look beautiful. I have watched a lot of those types of shows over the last few weeks. I might even go so far as to admit to being inspired to tackle a project or two as a result of watching them.

On the flip side (pun intended) I know they are not all that realistic, nor do they give the full picture.

Decisions, Decisions

For one thing, if one believed only what one witnesses on such shows, picking out paint colors, kitchen cabinets, flooring and other materials takes about 3 minutes, with minimal second guessing. That just isn’t how it goes.

When we did our kitchen and bath renovations a few years ago I was on a first name basis with employees of our local home improvement store. I am not kidding. I eventually found out where else they were employed, attended college and a lot of other interesting (but not necessary for home projects) information. When you go to a store almost every day for weeks on end those people feel like they know you and want to tell you stuff.

Setting Tile Ain’t For Sissies

Another somewhat unrealistic thing about those tv shows is how easy the construction process looks.

Our friend and MASTER tile setter, Don, did a fabulous job when he tiled our floors and showers. Because he is a pro he makes it look easy to get all those tiles to line up nice and straight. After installing a backsplash in a small kitchen this week I realize, even more, just how difficult that is to accomplish. I even used those 12 x 12 squares of tiles that are all lined up and stuck together.

They look like this in the package.

They don’t look exactly like that now that they are affixed to the wall.

Now, I’m not trying to make an excuse when I say that the little white tiles were slightly larger than the others-making straight line application nearly impossible.

My point, in all of this, is that none of this is as easy as it looks on tv.

The good news in all of this is that I have enjoyed watching all these shows and was inspired to tackle something I never considered doing.

The other good news in all of this is that the dated ivy wallpaper no longer takes center stage on the wall behind the sink and eldest hooligan daughter seems more than happy with the backsplash.

The final piece of good news is that Don, our friend and master tile setter, did the tile in our home.

And may I just say I am not expecting any contracts for a tv show on HGTV anytime soon.

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I’m Cindi. I read. I write. I am crazy about my family, friends and faith. I sing poorly, laugh loudly and ask questions. A lot of questions. I'll listen to your answers and then ask more questions. Thank you for stopping by.